Mandarin Language Talent Programme: Path to Full-Time

MI5; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

5.5 days annual leave

On-site gym & restaurant

On-site coffee bars

Job summary

GCHQ's Mandarin Language Talent Programme offers a paid, 11-week, full-time placement in Cheltenham or Manchester. You will train in operational language work, translation and analysis, with mentoring and exposure to real intelligence tasks.

By the end, you may transition into a permanent role, subject to a language test and competency interview. The programme includes leave and progression opportunities within the UK's intelligence community.

Qualifications

• 2:2 degree or above in Mandarin.
• Starting Autumn 2026 or graduated Summer 2023 or later.
• Willing to develop new skills, especially technical language tools.

Responsibilities

• Translate, interpret and contextualise Mandarin content for intelligence work.
• Analyse, transcribe and translate audio and written Mandarin material.
• Identify insights using language tools and draft intelligence reports.
• Collaborate with other teams across GCHQ to understand wider impact.

Skills

Mandarin language

Education

2:2 degree in Mandarin

Job description

GCHQ's Mandarin Language Talent Programme offers a paid, 11-week, full-time placement in Cheltenham or Manchester. You will train in operational language work, translation and analysis, with mentoring and exposure to real intelligence tasks.

By the end, you may transition into a permanent role, subject to a language test and competency interview. The programme includes leave and progression opportunities within the UK's intelligence community.